Police launch manhunt for husband accused of killing wife inside Imo church before fleeing with 3 of their children abandoning a suckling baby beside lifeless body.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - The Imo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a man accused of murdering his wife inside a church in Owaelu, Owerri North Local Government Area, before fleeing with two of their three children and abandoning a suckling baby beside her lifeless body.

The woman’s body was reportedly discovered on Monday morning after neighbours, alarmed by the persistent cries of the infant, traced the sound to the church premises.

The suspect allegedly disappeared with two of the children, leaving the toddler with the deceased.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said officers from the Owerri North Divisional Headquarters had visited the scene and commenced efforts to arrest the suspect and rescue the two children.

He said the rescued infant had been handed over to a trusted family member for proper care.

Okoye did not disclose the identities of either the deceased or the fleeing suspect, saying investigations were ongoing.

He appealed to members of the public with useful information on the suspect’s whereabouts to report to the Owerri North Divisional Police Headquarters or contact the command’s emergency line on 0803 477 3600.

The police spokesperson stated, “The Imo State Police Command is aware of the tragic incident reported this morning at Owaelu, Owerri North LGA, where the lifeless body of a woman, allegedly killed by her husband, was discovered on a church premises.

“The suspect reportedly fled with two of their children, leaving behind a suckling baby, who has since been rescued and handed over to a trusted family relative.

“The Divisional Police Officer, Owerri North Divisional Headquarters, has visited the scene, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the suspect and rescue the two children.

“The command urges anyone with credible information to report to the Owerri North Divisional Police Headquarters or call the command’s emergency line on 0803 477 3600.”

As of the time of filing this report, it remained unclear whether the suspect was a cleric or had any official affiliation with the church where the incident occurred. The PPRO stated that investigations were continuing.